EP4648701A1

EP4648701A1 - Multi-modal connector for surgical instruments and systems

Info

Publication number: EP4648701A1
Application number: EP24700496.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: William J. Dickhans; Scott E.M. Frushour; John W. Komp
Original assignee: Covidien LP
Current assignee: Covidien LP
Priority date: 2023-01-12
Filing date: 2024-01-05
Publication date: 2025-11-19
Also published as: CN120548147A; WO2024150097A1

Abstract

A multi-modal connector for connecting an ablation device to a plurality of source components of a multi-modal generator includes a fluid connect, an optical connect, an electrosurgical signal connect, and a low-level signal connect. The fluid connect is configured to connect a fluid tube of the ablation device to a fluid source. The optical connect is configured to connect an optical fiber of the ablation device to an optical source. The electrosurgical signal connect is configured to connect a feedline of the ablation device to an electrosurgical energy source. The low-level signal connect is configured to connect a low-level circuit of the ablation device to at least one of the plurality of energy sources.

Description

MULTI-MODAL CONNECTOR FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS AND SYSTEMS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/438,596, filed January 12, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to surgical instruments and ablation systems. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a multi-modal connector for coupling a surgical instrument to individual source components of a multi-modal generator.

BACKGROUND

[0003] When planning a treatment procedure, clinicians often rely on patient data including X-ray data, computed tomography (CT) scan data, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data, or other imaging data that allows the clinician to view the internal anatomy of a patient. The clinician utilizes the patient data to identify targets of interest and to develop strategies for accessing the targets of interest for a treatment procedure, such as a microwave ablation treatment procedure, for feedback during a procedure, and for analysis following a procedure. [0004] Ablation devices generate heat in the body to provide hyperthermic temperatures to destroy tissues of interest. Existing ablation devices include multiple connectors for connecting to multiple peripheral components of an ablation system.

SUMMARY

[0005] Provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is a multi-modal connector for connecting an ablation device to a plurality of source components. The multimodal connector includes a fluid connect, an optical connect, an electrosurgical signal connect, and a low-level signal connect. The fluid connect is configured to connect a fluid tube of the ablation device to a fluid source. The optical connect is configured to connect an optical fiber of the ablation device to an optical source. The electrosurgical signal connect is configured to connect a feedline of the ablation device to an electrosurgical energy source. The low -level signal connect is configured to connect a low -level circuit of the ablation device to at least one of the plurality of source components. [0006] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the fluid connect may include an inflow path for fluid flow into the ablation device and an outflow path for fluid flow out from the ablation device.

[0007] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the optical connect may include a first fiber configured to transmit light through a first optical fiber of the ablation device and a second fiber configured to transmit light through a second optical fiber of the ablation device. In aspects, an optical fiber includes a Fiber Bragg Grating including a bundle of one or more active fibers and one or more inert fibers included to control spacing between the active fibers. [0008] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the electrosurgical signal connect may be a coaxial connector including an inner conductor and an outer conductor separated by a dielectric material.

[0009] In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the low-level signal connect may include a plurality of conductors configured to transmit and receive data between the low-level circuit and at least one of the plurality of source components.

[0010] In still another aspect of the present disclosure, at least one of the fluid connect, the optical connect, the electrosurgical signal connect, or the low-level signal connect may be spring-loaded.

[0011] In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the low-level circuit stores at least one of identification data, usage count data, or operational parameters corresponding to the ablation device.

[0012] Also provided in accordance with the present disclosure is an ablation device including a cable, a fluid tube, an optical fiber, a feedline, a low-level circuit, and a multimodal connector. The fluid tube, optical fiber, and feedline extend through the cable. The low-level circuit may store calibration parameters of the ablation device. The multi-modal connector is disposed at one end of the cable and is configured to connect the ablation device to a plurality of source components of a multi-modal generator. The multi-modal connector includes: a fluid connect configured to connect the fluid tube to a fluid source, an optical connect configured to connect the optical fiber to an optical source, an electrosurgical signal connect configured to connect the feedline of the ablation device to an electrosurgical energy source, and a low-level signal connect configured to connect the low-level circuit to at least one of the plurality of source components. [0013] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the fluid connect may include an inflow path for fluid flow into the ablation device and an outflow path for fluid flow out from the ablation device.

[0014] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the optical fiber may include a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber, and the optical connect includes a first fiber configured to transmit light through the first optical fiber and a second fiber configured to transmit light through the second optical fiber. In an aspect, multiple measurements may be made via pulsing different signals at different times through a single fiber.

[0015] In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the feedline may be a coaxial cable and the electrosurgical signal connect may be a coaxial connector including an inner conductor and an outer conductor separated by a dielectric material.

[0016] In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the low-level circuit may be disposed within the multi-modal connector.

[0017] In still another aspect of the present disclosure, at least one of the fluid connect, the optical connect, or the electrosurgical signal connect may be spring-loaded.

[0018] In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the low-level circuit stores usage count data corresponding to the ablation device.

[0019] Also provided in accordance with the present disclosure is an ablation system including a multi-modal generator and an ablation device. The multi-modal generator includes an electrosurgical energy source, a fluid source, and an optical source. The ablation device includes a feedline, a fluid tube, an optical fiber, and a multi-modal connector. The multimodal connector includes an electrosurgical signal connect coupled to a proximal end of the feedline and configured to couple the feedline to the electrosurgical energy source, a fluid connect coupled to a proximal end of the fluid tube and configured to couple the fluid tube to the fluid source, and an optical connect coupled to a proximal end of the optical fiber and configured to couple the optical fiber to the optical source.

[0020] In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the ablation device may further include a low-level circuit and the multi-modal connector includes a low-level signal connect coupled to the low-level circuit and configured to couple the low-level circuit to at least one of the electrosurgical energy source, the fluid source, or the optical source. The low-level circuit may store at least one of identification data, usage count data, or operational parameters corresponding to the ablation device. The low level circuit may include active sensors for sensing parameters associated with components and/or conditions of the procedure or patient. [0021] In still another aspect of the present disclosure, at least one of the fluid connect, the optical connect, the electrosurgical signal connect, or the low-level signal connect may be spring-loaded.

[0022] In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the fluid connect may include an inflow path for fluid flow into the ablation device and an outflow path for fluid flow out from the ablation device.

[0023] In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the optical fiber may include a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber, and the optical connect may include a first fiber configured to transmit light through the first optical fiber and a second fiber configured to transmit light through the second optical fiber.

[0024] Any of the above aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Objects and features of the presently disclosed connectors, systems, and methods will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when descriptions of various embodiments thereof are read with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0026] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an ablation system in accordance with an illustrative aspect of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an ablation device including a multi-modal connector which forms part of the ablation system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0028] FIG. 3 is a front view of the multi-modal connector of FIG. 2 in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The present disclosure provides a multi-modal connector for coupling an ablation device to a plurality of source components of a multi-modal generator to facilitate the selection and delivery of various forms of energy (e.g., electricity, optics, fluid including liquids and gases, etc.) from the plurality of source components to the ablation device. In aspects of the present disclosure, the plurality of source components may be provided in a multi-modal generator to which the ablation device is connected by the multi-modal connector. The term “source component” is not limited to ablation sources and may be a component configured to at least one of generate or deliver electrosurgical ablative energy, generate or deliver liquid or gaseous ablative energy, deliver or circulate cooling or therapeutic fluid, and/or include sensors or processing devices configured to monitor ablation progress, conditions of the components, and/or conditions of the patient.

[0030] Ablation systems are used for the destruction of cellular tissue structures. These structures are typically malignant and cancerous in nature, however the presently described technology can also be used for benign applications. Ablation can include hypothermic processes achieved by applying conducted or radiated energies. These processes depend on electricity and/or thermodynamic state/phase change processes of compressed and noncompressed gases. Ablation therapy can also include chemical destruction of cells using pharmaceuticals, targeted therapies, viral therapies, immunotherapies or similar therapies.

[0031] To deliver the chosen ablation modality to a targeted site, a treating physician may guide a percutaneous or flexible probe to the region of interest. These probes require a connector at the proximal end to feed the medium (electricity, optics, gas, fluid, etc.) to the probe for causing a therapeutic event to occur. Additionally, connections in the connector enable the transmission of data related to the progress of the ablation procedure.

[0032] Although the present disclosure will be described in terms of specific illustrative embodiments, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications, rearrangements, and substitutions may be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims appended hereto.

[0033] The example of FIG. 1 depicts an ablation system 10 including an ablation device 200 and a multi-modal generator 100. The ablation device 200 generally includes a housing 205, an elongated shaft 210 extending from the housing 205, and a cable 240 extending from the housing 205 for coupling the ablation device 200 to the multi-modal generator 100. The ablation device 200 may be a multi-modal ablation device capable of selectively delivering different types of ablative energy to tissue. For example, the ablation device 200 may deliver chemical fluids or gases to cause a chemical ablation of tissue. In aspects, the ablation device 200 may cause chemical destruction of cells using pharmaceuticals, targeted therapies, viral therapies, and/or immunotherapies. In aspects, the ablation device 200 delivers electrosurgical ablation energy (e.g., microwave energy) to ablate tissue. Yet still, the ablation device 200 may ablate tissue using a laser. The ablation device 200 may be a rigid device configured to percutaneously puncture through tissue to access a target site or may be a flexible probe configured to be navigated to a target site. [0034] As detailed below, the multi-modal generator 100 is configured to be coupled to the ablation device 200 through a multi-modal connector 300 that serves to connect the ablation device 200 with various sources of medium (e.g., electrosurgical energy, fluid including liquid and/or gas, optical energy, etc.) of the multi-modal generator 100.

[0035] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the multi-modal generator 100 includes a plurality of source components including an electrosurgical energy (e.g., microwave energy) source 122, a fluid source 124, and an optical source 126. The multi-modal connector 300 serves to couple the cable 240 and components of the ablation device 200 to the electrosurgical energy source 122, the fluid source 124, and the optical source 126 of the multi-modal generator 100 for facilitating delivery of the corresponding mediums (fluid, optics, and electrosurgical energy) to the ablation device 200 for treating tissue, cooling the ablation device 200, and/or sensing parameters during an ablation procedure.

[0036] The electrosurgical energy source 122 generates ablative energy such as microwave, ultrasound, thermal, laser, or any combinations thereof, for transmission through a feedline 225 extending from the multi-modal connector 300 through the cable 240 and the housing 205 and into the elongated shaft 210 of the ablation device 200. In particular, a distal radiating portion 225d of the feedline 225 is disposed within the elongated shaft 210 of the ablation device 200a and a proximal end 225p of the feedline 225 terminates at an electrosurgical signal connect 340 (FIG. 3) disposed in the multi-modal connector 300. The distal radiating portion 225d of the feedline 225 is configured to emit the electrosurgical ablative energy generated by the electrosurgical energy source 122 for treating tissue. In aspects of this disclosure, the feedline 225 is a coaxial cable including an inner conductor and an outer conductor separated by a dielectric material.

[0037] The fluid source 124 may be a source of cooling liquid or gas and is operably coupled to the ablation device 200 via a fluid tube 220 that facilitates delivery of fluid from the fluid source 124 to the ablation device 200 (e.g., for circulation within the elongated shaft 210, for delivery out of the elongated shaft 210 and into the surgical site, or for retrieval or fluid and gases from the surgical site). The fluid tube 220 is coupled to the generator 100 via the multimodal connector 300 and extends from the multi-modal connector 300 through the cable 240 and the housing 205 and into the elongated shaft 210 of the ablation device 200. In particular, a distal end 220d of the fluid tube 220 is disposed within the elongated shaft 210 and a proximal end 220p of the fluid tube 220 terminates at a fluid connect 320 (FIG. 3) within the multi-modal connector 300. In aspects of this disclosure, the fluid source 124 may be a source of ablative fluid (e.g., cryo-ablation fluid) for delivery to a target site to ablate tissue.

[0038] The optical source 126 may include an optical system that calculates temperature and/or pressure changes of the ablation device 200. The optical source 126 is coupled to the ablation device 200 via an optical fiber 230 extending from the multi-modal connector 300 through the cable 240 and into the housing 205 of the ablation device 200. In addition, or alternatively, the optical source 126 may be a source of optical ablative energy (e.g., laser) for delivery to a target for ablation of the target. A distal end 230d of the optical fiber 230 may be disposed along a length of elongated shaft 210 and may include Bagg gratings etched into the optical fiber 230. A proximal end 230p of the optical fiber 230 terminates at an optical connect 330 (FIG. 3) within the multi-modal connector 300. In aspects, fiber 230 may be a dual fiber optic cable including a first fiber coupled to a first fiber path 331 (FIG. 3) and a second fiber coupled to a second fiber path 332 (FIG. 3). Optical fiber 230 may be a single fiber or may include a bundle of fibers. In aspects, optical fiber 230 includes a Fiber Bragg Grating having a bundle of one or more active fibers and one or more inert fibers for controlling spacing between the active fibers.

[0039] The optical source 126 may include a fiber grating demodulator, which demodulates reflected light transmitted through fiber 230 using a demodulation technique to obtain the changes in wavelength. Demodulation techniques include wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), optical time domain reflectometry (OTDM), optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDM), and code correlation techniques that incorporate aspects of OTDM and OFDM. According to the OTDR technique, a narrow light pulse is generated by a light source and is transmitted through the optical fiber 230 to the Bragg gratings. The reflected or backscattered light is analyzed to determine multiple telemetry values (e.g., temperatures, motion properties, etc.). The locations corresponding to each of the telemetry values (e.g., temperatures, motion properties, etc.) may be determined by monitoring the time it takes the reflected or backscattered light to return to the photodetector.

[0040] In aspects of this disclosure, the multi-modal connector 300 includes a low-level circuit 250. Although illustrated as disposed in the multi-modal connector 300, it is contemplated that the low-level circuit 250 may be disposed within the housing 205 of the ablation device 200 or in any other component of the ablation device 200 such as the cable 240. The low-level circuit 250 may store identification information, usage information, and/or operation parameters of the ablation device 200 for communication between the ablation device 200 and components of the multi-modal generator 100 (e.g., the source components of the multi-modal generator 100). The low level circuit 250 may include active sensors (not shown) for sensing parameters associated with components and/or conditions of the procedure or patient. In aspects, a communication bus or dedicated wires is included to connect other sensors (e.g., other than the fiber Bragg-based sensors described above) that may not be associated with the ablation source components, such as resistive imaging or temperature sensors.

[0041] Referring now to FIG. 3, the multi-modal connector 300 in accordance with aspects of this disclosure includes the fluid connect 320, the optical connect 330, the electrosurgical signal connect 340, and a low-level signal connect 350. The fluid connect 320 is configured to connect a proximal end 220p (FIG. 2) of the fluid tube 220 to the fluid source 124 of the multi-modal generator 100. The optical connect 330 is configured to connect the proximal end 23 Op (FIG. 2) of the optical fiber 230 of the ablation device 200 to the optical source 126 of the multi-modal generator 100. The electrosurgical signal connect 340 is configured to connect the proximal end 225p (FIG. 2) of the feedline 225 to the electrosurgical energy source 122 of the multi-modal generator 100. The low-level signal connect 350 is configured to connect the low-level circuit 250 of the ablation device 200 to the multi-modal generator 100.

[0042] Any of the fluid connect 320, optical connect 330, electrosurgical signal connect 340 or low-level signal connect 350 may be spring-loaded to connect to the multi-modal generator 100. In aspects of this disclosure, the fluid connect 320 includes an inflow path 321 and an outflow path 322 and the fluid tube 220 is a dual-lumen tube with a first lumen coupled to the inflow path 321 and a second lumen coupled to the outflow path 322. The inflow path 321 may be utilized to facilitate the flow fluid from the fluid source 124 into the ablation device 200 and the outflow path 322 may be utilized to facilitate the return of the fluid from the ablation device 200 to the fluid source 124. Alternatively, the outflow path 322 may be utilized to suction fluid or gases from the surgical site.

[0043] The optical connect 330 may include a first fiber path 331 configured to connect to a first optical fiber of the optical fiber 230 and a second optical fiber path 332 configured to connect to a second optical fiber of the optical fiber 230. Additionally, or alternatively, the electrosurgical signal connect 340 may be coaxial and include an inner conductor 341 and an outer conductor 342 separated by a dielectric material 343.

[0044] Although embodiments have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings for the purpose of illustration and description, it is to be understood that the inventive processes and apparatus are not to be construed as limited thereby. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications to the foregoing embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A multi-modal connector for connecting an ablation device to a plurality of source components, the multi-modal connector comprising: a fluid connect configured to connect a fluid tube of the ablation device to a fluid source; an optical connect configured to connect an optical fiber of the ablation device to an optical source; an electrosurgical signal connect configured to connect a feedline of the ablation device to an electrosurgical energy source; and a low-level signal connect configured to connect a low-level circuit of the ablation device to at least one of the plurality of source components.

2. The multi-modal connector of claim 1, wherein the fluid connect includes an inflow path for fluid flow into the ablation device and an outflow path for fluid flow out from the ablation device.

3. The multi-modal connector of claim 1, wherein the optical connect includes a first fiber configured to transmit light through a first optical fiber of the ablation device and a second fiber configured to transmit light through a second optical fiber of the ablation device.

4. The multi-modal connector of claim 1, wherein the electrosurgical signal connect is a coaxial connector including an inner conductor and an outer conductor separated by a dielectric material.

5. The multi-modal connector of claim 1 , wherein the low-level signal connect includes a plurality of conductors configured to transmit and receive data between the low-level circuit and at least one of the plurality of source components.

6. The multi-modal connector of claim 1, wherein at least one of the fluid connect, the optical connect, the electrosurgical signal connect, or the low-level signal connect is spring- loaded.

7. The multi-modal connector of claim 1, wherein the low-level circuit stores at least one of identification data, usage count data, or operational parameters corresponding to the ablation device.

8. An ablation device comprising: a cable; a fluid tube extending through the cable; an optical fiber extending through the cable; a feedline extending through the cable; a low-level circuit storing calibration parameters of the ablation device; and a multi-modal connector disposed at one end of the cable and configured to connect the ablation device to a plurality of source components of a multi-modal generator, the multi-modal connector including: a fluid connect configured to connect the fluid tube to a fluid source; an optical connect configured to connect the optical fiber to an optical source; an electrosurgical signal connect configured to connect the feedline of the ablation device to an electrosurgical energy source; and a low-level signal connect configured to connect the low-level circuit to at least one of the plurality of source components.

9. The ablation device of claim 8, wherein the fluid connect includes an inflow path for fluid flow into the ablation device and an outflow path for fluid flow out from the ablation device.

10. The ablation device of claim 8, wherein the optical fiber includes a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber, and the optical connect includes a first fiber configured to transmit light through the first optical fiber and a second fiber configured to transmit light through the second optical fiber.

11. The ablation device of claim 8, wherein the feedline is a coaxial cable and the electrosurgical signal connect is a coaxial connector including an inner conductor and an outer conductor separated by a dielectric material.

12. The ablation device of claim 8, wherein the low-level circuit is disposed within the multi-modal connector.

13. The ablation device of claim 8, wherein at least one of the fluid connect, the optical connect, the electrosurgical signal connect, or the low -level signal connect is spring-loaded.

14. The ablation device of claim 8, wherein the low-level circuit stores usage count data corresponding to the ablation device.

15. An ablation system comprising: a multi-modal generator including an electrosurgical energy source, a fluid source, and an optical source; and an ablation device including a feedline, a fluid tube, an optical fiber, and a multi-modal connector, the multi-modal connector including: an electrosurgical signal connect coupled to a proximal end of the feedline and configured to couple the feedline to the electrosurgical energy source; a fluid connect coupled to a proximal end of the fluid tube and configured to couple the fluid tube to the fluid source; and an optical connect coupled to a proximal end of the optical fiber and configured to couple the optical fiber to the optical source.

16. The ablation system of claim 15, wherein the ablation device further includes a low-level circuit and the multi-modal connector includes a low-level signal connect coupled to the low-level circuit and configured to couple the low-level circuit to at least one of the electrosurgical energy source, the fluid source, or the optical source.

17. The ablation system of claim 16, wherein the low-level circuit stores at least one of identification data, usage count data, or operational parameters corresponding to the ablation device.

18. The ablation system of claim 15, wherein at least one of the fluid connect, the optical connect, or the electrosurgical signal connect is spring-loaded.

19. The ablation system of claim 15, wherein the fluid connect includes an inflow path for fluid flow into the ablation device and an outflow path for fluid flow out from the ablation device.

20. The ablation system of claim 15, wherein the optical fiber includes a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber, and the optical connect includes a first fiber configured to transmit light through the first optical fiber and a second fiber configured to transmit light through the second optical fiber.